Urinary Problems

Urinary

Herbal remedies that support urinary and bladder health and help to reduce urinary problems in dogs and cats.

In renal challenges, the kidneys not only need to be supported but consideration should also be given to support of the liver, cardiovascular system and autonomic nervous system and products that facilitate the support and natural rehabilitation of the kidneys and other important tissues.

Urinary problems are common in both dogs and cats. There are many causes and symptoms, as the bladder is a sensitive organ, which removes toxins and waste from the animal body. Some urination problems are behavior-related (episodic urination from stress, anxiety or behavioral problems) or the result of physical problems, such as an underlying health condition.

The urinary bladder is an elastic, muscular sac situated in the anterior part of the pelvic cavity where urine collects before being disposed by the body and the kidneys perform the task of excreting urine. The urinary bladder is also considered an organ which sites on the pelvis. Urine enters the bladder via the ureters and exits via the urethra.

Symptoms of urinary problems in dogs and cats:

Incontinence (loss of bladder control caused by bladder muscle weakness)

Urinary Incontinence is defined as unchecked leakage or dribbling of urine from the bladder. It is fairly common in spayed and neutered dogs and cats as well as senior animals.

If your pet is suffering from urinary incontinence, puddles of urine will appear when your pet is not attempting to urinate. Urine may also leak out when your pet jumps or gets up from lying down, or might even dribble out while your pet is lying down.

Often the hair around the vulva or prepuce will be wet or you might just notice a strong smell of urine when your pet is close to you. Your pet will be unaware of this inability to retain urine and will appear otherwise healthy if the underlying cause for the incontinence is not due to injury or disease.

Urinary incontinence is most often due to inadequate closure of the urethral sphincter: a circle of muscles that normally contract and stop urine flowing out of the bladder. It is most common in large breed, spayed female dogs with up to 20% of dogs falling into this category developing urinary incontinence.

Incontinence may also be seen in intact females, male dogs and cats. Incontinence may develop following spinal injury due to damage to the nerve supply of the bladder. Cystitis, bladder stones, tumors of the bladder and submissive behavior can also be characterized by episodes of incontinence.

After being spayed, the levels of oestradiol decrease in your dog’s and cat's bodies. This decrease in oestradiol causes the tissues of the urogenital system shrink and therefore the urethral sphincter does not close as tightly as it would and leakage of urine occurs. Pets with urinary incontinence are sometimes described as having "weak bladders".

The accumulation of tartar, plaque and gingivitis may result in the blood vessels of the gums carrying bacteria to the organs in the body, many times, landing in the kidneys resulting in a urinary tract infection. Other causes of urinary problems include Kidney stones and bladder crystals.

Herbal Remedies:

Herbal remedies are used to relieve frequent urination, bladder discomfort, bladder and urinary infections, to relieve incontinence and support bladder control in dogs and cats, to improve bladder & urinary tract health due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, for the treatment of severe cystitis, prostate problems and symptoms of burning urine, to promote prostate gland health, healthy bladder, urinary tract and bowel movements, to reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.

The Daily Paws–(learn more) is used as a multi-system nutritive for daily maintenance of all body systems, with emphasis on a healthy endocrine system, promotes healthy skin and shiny, glossy coats due to its high mineral and vitamin content, and is used to maintain body temperature, (important in immuno-compromised animals), and for a multiplicity of conditions and diseases including for allergies, arthritis, cognitive disorder and cancer, for urinary disorders to alkalinize (higher Ph) acidic urine and for blood purification.

Incontinence due to low levels of oestradiol is treated either with hormone supplements such as diethylstilboestrol (DES) or with drugs that act on the muscles of the urethral sphincter to improve tone and maximize urethral closure pressure. Both of these treatments are not without side effects.

DES causes a marked suppression of the bone marrow and the other drugs affecting the heart or causing hypertension, restlessness and anorexia. Please consider natural remedies and supplementation.

You should consult your veterinarian if:

There is blood or pus in your pet’s urine (urine appears red or has strings of blood in it)

The urine smells very strong

Your pet has dark urine

Your pet is urinating more than usual (a possible indication of Cushing’s disease or Diabetes)

Your pet is having difficulty urinating

Your pet tries to urinate but nothing comes out. (This is a medical emergency and may indicate a blocked stone, common in male cats and dogs but can occur in female dogs and cats too.)

Your pet urinates more than normal and drinks more water than usual

Your pet starts suddenly urinating in the house

Your pet wets when sitting

Your pet urinates when excited

Your vet may try extraction of urine using a needle inserted into the bladder. Although this sounds painful for your pet, it is superior to using a urinary catheter, which may introduce bacteria and a spasm of the urethra. Blood tests may be done to rule out infection and crystals.

Most vets may prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics if a urinary infection is the cause of bladder problems. Keep in mind that antibiotics can weaken the immune system if used both short and long term.

* The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements refer to holistic uses only and are not supported by medical research. The information contained in this plant file is intended for education, entertainment and information purposes only. This information is not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace proper medical care. The plant described herein is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any disease or condition.
* As indicated by holistic veterinarians.

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